Thomas Schaefer, recently appointed Managing Director of Volkswagen South Africa (Feb2015), connected with Trust founder Wilfred Chivell at the Port Elizabeth rally. Volkswagen South Africa has been a corporate sponsor of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust since 2010. The team was looking so forward to the pending visit of Mr Schaefer and his wife Wendy to Gansbaai.

Schafer has worked for the Volkswagen Group since 2012 as head of Group Production - Foreign Plants. He previously worked for Mercedes Benz AG since 1994 and has travelled widely worked in various countries including China, Malaysia and Germany.

The couple were impressed with the new African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) and Volkswagens commitment to this essential rehabilitation facility. They were able to meet manager Trudi Malan and bird rehabilitator Xolani Lawo who showed them the operational aspects.

The Trust also had a surprise visit from local television personality, Michelle Garforth-Venter, who was visiting with her family. Michelle is passionate about penguins and was excited to see APSS. Everyone enjoyed lunch at the Great White House.

The Schaefers will be back for a boat trip and hopefully a longer stay.